Football 2 years ago

Klopp to the Kop

Can you feel it? That sense of pride and passion in the club now embodied by Liverpool FC's new coach? Jurgen Klopp has arrived and with him, a new sense of optimism.

This is the dawning of a new era. A coach who exudes passion for the club has arrived. His task? Take Liverpool to the top of the Premier League.

Klopp arrives as a man who feels like he's walking into a home away from home. Borussia Dortmund visited Anfield in the middle of 2014 with Klopp at the helm.

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He spent his short time there soaking in the atmosphere and getting acquainted with the stadium.

Little did he know that just over a year later and he'd be standing in the home dug-out.

"It's an absolutely great feeling for me and a big honour to be here. It's one of the best moments in my life, I have to say," he said.

"I want to build a great relationship with these supporters and give them memories to cherish."

The German is a coach who knows how to win and knows how to build a team up to its former glory. He took Borussia from a mid-table sleeping giant to back-to-back League champions.

Liverpool are a club in transition. A club that was beginning to lose its direction. The title tilt of 2013/14 is all but a distant memory now.

While the dumping of Brendan Rodgers just eight weeks into the new season has been viewed by some as a little harsh, cutting ties so early in the season with the club just one win outside the top four gives Klopp the time to settle and build his side.

The former Dortmund boss is of an attacking mind but is also wary of Liverpool's defensive frailties in recent seasons.

He was quoted whilst at Dortmund saying, "[Arsene Wenger] likes having the ball, passing, playing football. It's like an orchestra - but it's a silent song. I prefer heavy metal."

When he fronted for his announcement as Liverpool manager, he emphasised the need to be a tough team to beat.

"The first thing, always, is a stable defence. That's the only way to play confidently... Let's try to be the hardest team to beat in the world," Klopp said.

For Liverpool supporters, it's refreshing to have a coach bursting with pride, passion and clear joy. With a passionate manager comes a passionate team.

As Klopp said, "The message to Liverpool supporters: We have to change from doubter to believer. Now."